The curious case of Markelle Fultz’s ugly jump shot took a savage turn on Tuesday, when the former No.1 overall pick became the laughing stock of the NBA world. Fultz’s struggles shooting the ball have been no secret in his two years in the league since the Philadelphia 76ers moved up to take him first in the 2017 draft, but there might never been a more clear example of just how broken he’s become than these free throw attempts against the Miami Heat. Fultz’s shot stiffens up as he suffers from the yips but... then things get especially ugly as he, on a later attempt, double-pumps his shot — missing both attempts. The double-pump left observers stunned at having witnessed “one of the craziest things ever seen on a basketball court”. For a reminder of what Charles Barkley’s golf swing looks like... The bad news doesn’t stop there for the young guard, with news emerging on Tuesday that he’d split from the man who was helping recalibrate his baffling stroke — trainer Drew Hanlen. The signs had been promising, too. Luckily, the 76ers didn’t need much production out of Fultz — who finished the game with 5 points and shot two from eight from the field — as they went to go on and beat Miami 124-114 to improve their record to 9-6. And they’ve just added controversial star Jimmy Butler, who is sure to join the starting group for Friday’s clash with Orlando — a move which is sure to relegate Fultz, who can’t buy a trick right now, to the bench.

BROOKLYN’S Caris LeVert suffered a horrific leg injury after landing awkwardly in an NBA game this morning. The rising star jumped to try and stop Minnesota’s Josh Okogie during a drive to the basket before tragedy struck. LeVert landed badly on his right leg and was in immediate pain, with teammates and rival players visibly distressed as they realised the severity of the injury. The incident was reminiscent of a similar injury to Boston’s Gordon Hayward last season, which saw the Celtic suffer a fractured tibia and dislocated ankle.

This isn’t the Hollywood script LeBron James envisioned — unless he was reading a horror-film screenplay. The Lakers got off to a terrible 2-5 start, the self-described King said “I suck” at shooting free throws after missing two clutch attempts that nearly cost Los Angeles a win against the Hawks on Sunday night and there were rumours coach Luke Walton’s job was in jeopardy. Through this new start, James admitted he nearly “cracked,” in an interview with Yahoo Sports over his early struggles in Los Angeles. “I haven’t changed anything outwardly, but you know me. You know how I am. I almost cracked [last week]. I had to sit back and remind myself, ‘[Expletive], you knew what you were getting yourself into,’” James said. “This process has been good for me. I just have to continue being patient.” It hasn’t been easy, playing in a new city with new teammates and high expectations on his shoulders. After a road loss to the Timberwolves, a frustrated James told reporters: “You probably don’t want to be around when my patience runs out. I’m serious.” The Lakers, now 7-6, have shown signs of finding themselves, winning three straight games and five of six since the Walton rumours were shut down. James, after all, had the game-winning follow slam Sunday against the Hawks after the missed free throws. The addition of veteran centre Tyson Chandler has pleased James. Chandler had the clinching block against the Hawks. “He’s huge,” James said Sunday. “We knew we had a spot that needed some reassurance, and for us to get Tyson in the fashion that we got him and to be able to implement him right away and the impact that he’s made in these three games thus far, it’s great.” “I had to regroup and remember this is a young team,” James added in the Yahoo Sports story. “We’re playing some good ball right now and we’re starting to build some good habits. That’s all that matters right now.”

THE Perth Wildcats have dodged a bullet with star centre Angus Brandt and import Terrico White still hoping to play against Cairns on Saturday. Brandt crashed to the floor against Brisbane on Friday and it appeared he had re-injured the right ankle he damaged playing for Australia in September. White sat out that game with hamstring pain and there were fears the pair could be sidelined for an extended period. Scans showed Brandt had a minor strain and White a slight strain, and the club says they could play this week. Captain Damian Martin (calf) wasn’t as fortunate and has already been ruled out. Perth beat Brisbane and Illawarra last weekend despite missing their three starters. Coach Trevor Gleeson said his team was reaping the benefits of recruiting quality people who could handle pressure instead of focusing on talent. The Wildcats made dramatic changes to their roster during the off-season and targeted Australians while signing only two imports. Gleeson said their early success justified those recruiting decisions. “We’ve been big on getting the right guys and we didn’t do that last year,” Gleeson said. Greg Hire and Chris Robinson discuss the big changes to Bryce Cotton and Terrico White on this week's episode of The Dribble Podcast. “We didn’t get the right guys — because in a pressure situation, it comes out. That’s what happened to us last year. “We were very mindful first and foremost, if the personality is good, but the talent is right there, we’ll go for that instead of the rock star.” Nick Kay and Mitch Norton have been key players since joining and stepped up when it mattered in recent games. Kay had double-doubles against Brisbane and Illawarra, while Norton’s ability to perform under pressure late in matches has helped to drag the Wildcats to victory.

Melbourne United will blow off steam jet boating in Queenstown before Friday night’s blockbuster against New Zealand in Invercargill. The “reset” in New Zealand’s adventure capital is predominantly for rest-and-relaxation smack bang in the middle of an energy-sapping run of seven games in 21 days. With three games in eight days still to go before the FIBA international window, United — which has relied largely on raw talent and recovery, not practice, in recent weeks — needs a boost. “We’re going a day early … stop in Queenstown and just have a day to really reset for these last three games coming up, New Zealand, Brisbane and Sydney,” United coach Dean Vickerman said. “We won six games by the FIBA window (last year), for us to have three more games right now to be able to … have a real crack. “It hasn’t been smooth coming through this period, either, so hopefully we get everybody back on board and really have some momentum going into that FIBA window.” Chris Goulding is likely to be on restricted minutes for the next three games, having already missed four matches with separate ankle, eye and knee complaints. United recruit Alex Pledger will also be reassessed after battling with fatigue symptoms. Melbourne has stacked wins despite the disjointed start and lapses in games, often marred by turnovers and blown buckets. United had converted one of 14 three-point attempts to halftime last Sunday, in the come-from-behind seven-point win over Cairns Taipans, with Goulding, Casper Ware and David Barlow going 0-10 from the perimeter. “I just feel like at the moment, when we haven’t practised and practised reps you feel like an NBA team where at times you just got to let talent go,” Vickerman said. “When we dried up from the three-point line we were finding ways to get to the foul line, it was good to have a second scoring option.

The last time Novak Djokovic played at The O2 arena he suffered a chastening defeat at the hands of Andy Murray which confirmed the end of his dominance at the top of the men's game. His return to the ATP Finals on Monday, after missing the 2017 edition because of an elbow injury, offered conclusive proof that the Serb is once again top dog as he racked up his 50th win of 2018. The 31-year-old, bidding to equal Roger Federer's record of six titles at the eight-man season-ending event, produced an immaculate display to tame American John Isner, who was making his tournament debut, 6-4 6-3. Already guaranteed to end the year as world No.1 after winning Wimbledon and the US Open, Djokovic is a massive favourite to top the Guga Kuerten group and win a fifth title this year. "It's great to be back in the O2, it's been a lucky place for me over the years," Djokovic said. "I managed to get three breaks of John's serve which is sometimes mission impossible, but I managed to be at the right place at the right time and I held my serve very well and played solid." He will now set his sights on Germany's Alexander Zverev in his second round-robin match after the 21-year-old beat Croatia's Marin Cilic 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-1) earlier in the day. Isner, at 33 the oldest first timer at the blue-riband event since Andres Gimeno made his debut aged 35 in 1972, was not overawed but never managed to lay a glove on Djokovic in the 73-minute contest. Djokovic lost only four points on his own serve in the first set but what was most worrying for Isner was the way his opponent managed to read his towering delivery. "He's the best returner I've ever faced for sure," Isner said. "Sometimes you got to hope he's a bit off. Unfortunately, I don't think that was the case tonight. I got my ass kicked." While The O2 has been a happy hunting ground for Djokovic with four of his five ATP Finals titles arriving there, the same cannot be said of four-time qualifier Cilic. The Croat's defeat by Zverev - a repeat of his loss to the German 12 months ago - means he is 1-9 for the tournament. Cilic would have been kicking himself after allowing a first set that he initially dominated slip from his grasp and giving up a break in the second set too. Action continues on Tuesday in the Lleyton Hewitt group with Roger Federer to play Dominic Thiem after first-up winners Kevin Anderson and Kei Nishikori meet.

World No.1 Novak Djokovic has leapt to the defence of rival Roger Federer after claims the Swiss enjoys preferential treatment on Tour, especially at the Australian Open. Frenchman Julien Benneteau caused a stir during an interview on French radio station RMC Sport on Sunday in which he said tournament referees were often kinder to Federer when it came to scheduling his matches. Benneteau was particularly referring to the Australian Open where he said 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer played "12 or 13" of his 14 matches at Melbourne in the past two years at night, so avoiding the often scorching temperatures. He also suggested Federer's Laver Cup project, an exhibition team event in which Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley is also involved, represented a conflict of interest. Asked for his thoughts after his round-robin victory over American John Isner at the ATP Finals on Monday, Djokovic said Federer had earned the right for special treatment. "In the end of the day, in a way he deserves the special treatment because he's six-time champion of Australian Open and arguably the best player ever," Djokovic told reporters. "If he doesn't have it, who is going to have it? People want to see him play on the centre court, and they want to see him play in showtime, the best hours, which is 7:30 at night in Rod Laver Arena. "I understand Julien's point because sometimes it does seem that maybe certain players get more favoured year after year in certain tournaments. On the other side, you have to understand that Federer is a driving force of tennis in terms of revenue, in terms of attention. "Julien and guys like him are also benefiting from tennis, because of Roger, because of what he has done for the sport." Isner went even further, saying the likes of Federer, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal should get even more privileges. "If anything, maybe they should get more special treatment because those guys, the top players, have made other players below them a lot of money," the American said after his 6-4 6-3 defeat. "It is like the Tiger Woods effect in golf. So that is how you can look at a guy like Roger. He is men's tennis in my opinion. He deserves everything and more that he's ever had." Six-time champion Federer is back in action, in the night session, at the ATP Finals on Tuesday when he takes on Dominic Thiem, aiming to hit back after losing to Kei Nishikori in his opening group match on Sunday.

Newcastle star Mitchell Pearce has revealed he made a phone call to David Klemmer from Bali in a bid to lure the powerhouse prop to the Knights in 2019. Klemmer’s exit from Canterbury during the pre-season appears inevitable with Channel 9 reporting the Australia Test star’s management will meet with the Bulldogs on Wednesday in what could signal the end of his time at the club. The Knights are ready to swoop with a multimillion-dollar deal and even got their halfback to play the roll of recruiter during negotiations. “I had a chat to him when I was in Bali, the club got me to give him a ring,” Pearce told Channel 9. “I’ve got a good relationship with him and I’ve always had a lot of respect for him so I hope it works itself out.” Pearce said Klemmer would fit in seamlessly at the Knights. “I’ve got all my fingers crossed,” he said. “I really love ‘Klem’ as a bloke and I think he’d be so perfect for this team. “I’m sure the town with embrace him, everyone loves a hard man up front that leads your pack.” With the Bulldogs resigned to losing Klemmer, Channel 9 and The Australian’s Brent Read also report the club have zeroed in on Sydney Roosters prop Dylan Napa as a potential replacement. Napa still has one year remaining on his Tricolours contract and would need a release in order to switch club. The Bulldogs have reportedly tabled an offer of around $600,000 per season to Napa. “I would be shocked if he doesn’t take it,” Read told Triple M’s Rush Hour with MG.

With only one spot to fill on their list following confirmation Afghani sensation Mohammad Nabi (BAT/BWL, $193,000) has signed on again, the pressure is on the Melbourne Renegades to get their balance ‘just right’ — they are the only club in the Big Bash who have failed to make a final in the first seven seasons of the competition. THE BURN MAN As a rule, it can be expected the highest-priced player in the SC BBL competition will be listed as ‘the gun’ of his side — but when it comes to the ‘Gades, Aaron Finch (BAT, $194,000) is also the ‘burn man’, otherwise known as the player to avoid. Quite simply, he is less rather than more likely to suit up this season — he’s now captain of the Australian ODI side and will, form pending, play Test cricket this season too. THE MID-PRICER With Finch a no-go, the better option is to look at some ‘mid-pricers’ sitting in that awkward price point between $90,000 and $130,000. The Renegades have a ripper batsman who is more than worth looking at, with great form in the JLT and Sheffield Shield thus far this year. Marcus Harris (BAT, $126,000) may be a wise investment at a slightly lower price point than ‘star’ batsmen, especially given his position at the top of Renegades’ batting order is all but assured due to Finch’s likely national commitments. THE POINT OF DIFFERENCE Harris is also a ‘point of difference’ to other teams within the SC BBL competition, but two others who have been in-and-out of the Australian short-form game set-up for some time are awkwardly priced, neither truly premium nor mid-priced. Cameron White (BAT, $145,200) and new recruit Dan Christian (BAT/BWL, $161,700), the latter of whom has been poached from the Hobart Hurricanes set-up coming off a season in which he played 12 games for an average of 59.75, may prove unique selections for SC BBL teams this season. THE BREAKOUT CONTENDER Not due back from injury until after the Christmas / New Year period, Will Sutherland (BAT/BWL, $42,000) is a ‘breakout contender’ or ‘young gun’ depending upon which way you look at it. At just 18 years of age, he already has a five-fer to his name with the ball in this season’s JLT Cup, taking 5-45 against Queensland in Victoria’s opening game. THE YOUNG GUN When it comes to a ‘young gun’ in the Australian cricket scene, none shine brighter than 20-year-old Will Pucovski (BAT, $42,000). The big question, however, is whether he’ll play — currently he’s on a break from cricket for mental health reasons, with no set date for his return. He is a class player, so if he does come back, get him in.

AUSTRALIA ended its ODI series against South Africa a different team to the one that started, but still narrowly went down 2-1 in a hard-fought contest. Here, we take a look at five things we learned from the third and final ODI on Sunday. MARSH MAKES HIS TEST CASE Justin Langer has made it clear he will consider runs across all formats in the Test selection equation, so Shaun Marsh’s century on Sunday has him well placed to play the first match of the Border-Gavaskar series in December. Marsh kept Australia in the hunt in Hobart with a 102-ball 106, justifying his spot in the team ahead of D’Arcy Short. It was the left-hander’s sixth ODI hundred and his third in his past six 50-over matches. It also continued his fine run of form since returning to Australian soil. Firmly under pressure after a lacklustre run in Test cricket away from home — 161 runs at 13.41 — Marsh is averaging 76.5 across all forms of cricket since getting back home. He made scores of 80 and 98 for Western Australia agast Tasmania last month, with his 22 for Australia in Adelaide his lone score below 50 since coming back to Australia. Alongside fellow Western Australian Marcus Stoinis, Marsh made South Africa work for its victory. The pair came together at 3-39 in pursuit of 321 and wrestled the contest back into the balance with a mighty display of power hitting that momentarily put the Proteas on the back foot. Stoinis and Marsh combined for 107 runs off 118 balls before the former was dismissed for 63 off 76. He hit five fours and four sixes after being moved up the order to No.5. AUSSIES LET PROTEAS PAIR OFF THE HOOK David Miller and Faf du Plessis didn’t need invitations to make the most of their second lives. The Proteas pair in Hobart put on a staggering 252 runs together - the most ever in an ODI between South Africa and Australia. The previous best was 222 between Michael Bevan and Steve Waugh at Docklands Stadium in August 2000. Both made emphatic centuries on Sunday after each being let off the hook before making it to 50. Du Plessis was dropped by keeper Alex Carey on 29, and finished on 125 (114).

A record-breaking partnership between South African centurions Faf du Plessis and David Miller has set up a 40-run win over Australia in Hobart, clinching the one-day international series. The Proteas' mammoth 5-320 proved out of reach for Australia on Sunday night despite a determined 106 from veteran Shaun Marsh. Marsh restored the Australian innings in a century stand with allrounder Marcus Stoinis (63) after Australia were left wobbling at 3-39 in the 11th over. But when he fell in the 42nd over, his side's chances slid with him. Alex Carey (42) and Glenn Maxwell (35) tried to launch the required late blows but didn't connect often enough as Australia finished on 9-280. "It's always nice to score a hundred for your country. Disappointing that we couldn't get over the line at the end," Marsh said. Dale Steyn finished with 3-45, while Kagiso Rabada also picked up three wickets. After being sent in, du Plessis (125) and Miller (139) put on a 252-run stand - the biggest ODI partnership against Australia. The pair came together at 3-55 and steadied the South African innings before feasting late on Australia's seamers. They weren't without their luck, though, in a partnership that bettered Marvin Atapattu and Sanath Jayasuriya's 237-run stand 15 years ago for Sri Lanka in Sydney. Carey dropped du Plessis on 29 off Maxwell in what should have been a regulation caught behind. Maxwell had a second moment of frustration in the 33rd over when he appeared to have trapped Miller in front for 41. But a review, called for at the last moment by the batsmen, showed the ball narrowly travelling over the stumps. "It was one of those where you just hold your breath and hope for the best," Millar said, adding Faf made the signal to refer but the umpire didn't hear or see him. "He (the umpire) said it's too late. Then I said no, well, Faf's already shown it like that. Then obviously it went upstairs." Mitchell Starc finished with 2-57, while Stoinis nabbed two wickets but conceded 70 off seven overs. South Africa smashed 130 off the final 10 overs, including 75 off the last five. "It was tough in the beginning. We absorbed the good bowling and waited for an opportunity," du Plessis said. "And then we were just trying to have a bit of fun."

A RECORD-BREAKING partnership between South African centurions Faf du Plessis and David Miller has set up a 40-run win over Australia in Hobart, clinching the one-day international series. The Proteas’ mammoth 5-320 proved out of reach for Australia on Sunday night despite a determined 109 from veteran Shaun Marsh. Marsh restored the Australian innings in a 107-run stand with allrounder Marcus Stoinis (63) after Australia were left wobbling at 3-39 in the 11th over. A cop took a nice catch in the crowd during the third ODI between Australia and South Africa. Credit: Fox Sports Fox Sports But when he fell in the 42nd over, his side’s chances virtually went with him. Alex Carey and Glen Maxwell tried to launch late blows but didn’t connect often enough as Australia finished on 9-280. Dale Steyn finished with 3-45, while Kagiso Rabada also picked up three wickets. After being sent in to bat, du Plessis (125) and Miller (139) put on a 252-run stand - the biggest ODI partnership against Australia. The pair came together at 3-55 and steadied the South African innings before feasting late on Australia’s seamers. They weren’t without their luck, though, in a partnership that bettered Marvin Atapattu and Sanath Jayasuriya’s 237-run stand 15 years ago for Sri Lanka in Sydney. Carey dropped du Plessis on 29 off Maxwell in what should have been a regulation caught behind. Maxwell had a second moment of frustration in the 33rd over when he appeared to have trapped Miller in front for 41. But a review, called for at the last moment by the batsmen, showed the ball narrowly travelling over the stumps. Mitchell Starc finished with 2-57, while Stoinis nabbed two wickets but went for 70 off seven overs. South Africa smashed 130 off the final 10 overs, and 75 off the last five. Australia let slip a golden opportunity to take a stranglehold on the match after having the Proteas 3-55 in the 16th over. Their chase started disastrously, losing Chris Lynn to a first-ball duck before Aaron Finch (11) and Travis Head (six) joined him.

A Tasmanian police officer has stolen the show during Australia’s one-day international clash against South Africa at Blundstone Arena. On a day where the crowd dropped several catches, this cop showed his hands were as safe as the streets he patrols. The middle-aged man gave it everything to hang on to a blistering six from Australian batsman Shaun Marsh, which sailed over the deep square-leg boundary. He fell to the ground but held his composure to pull off a beauty, and didn’t he love it. “The big fella goes over, and he knows it’s a great catch,” Fox Sport commentator Brendon Julian said.

CANBERRA’S 2019 season has already been dealt a serious blow with star winger Jordan Rapana ruled out until midway through the season with a shoulder injury. Rapana dislocated his shoulder twice in New Zealand’s loss to England last week and requires surgery that will keep him out until next May. The 29-year old is not expected to return until Round 11 at the earliest. Michael Oldfield can be expected to slot in on the right wing in relief of Rapana and the Raiders may explore signing a replacement. After Josh Hodgson’s serious knee injury in the World Cup last season the NRL introduced a compensation scheme for up to $350,000 if a player suffers a long-term injury while on rep duty.

In the 130-year history of the English top flight, we’ve never seen something like this! While Jose Mourinho snatched a record of his own despite a derby loss. Its Premier League Extra Time! PL HISTORY MADE This ridiculous Premier League season has reached all-time heights. After Liverpool, Chelsea and City all maintained their unbeaten starts on a massive day of action – English top-flight history was made. It’s the first time in the 130-year history of the top tier that three teams have remained undefeated after 12 rounds. Time will tell how much longer our unwavering top dogs can maintain the pace and thus set the new record! JOSE’S PL BENCHMARK He may have gone down in the latest edition of the Manchester derby, but Jose Mourinho still set a new Premier League benchmark. The United boss was in the dugout for the 300th time in the competition and he became the most successful manager ever at that milestone. His 189 wins from his first 300 matches sees him come in ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson (183) and Arsene Wenger (180). Congratulations Jose! XHAKA’S AWFUL DUMMY Arsenal went behind early against Wolves, and the finger was largely pointed at Granit Xhaka. The midfielder appeared to attempt a dummy in the centre of the park, rather than picking up the ball himself and distributing. And in doing so, he allowed the ball to trickle to an opponent who kickstarted an attack that saw Wolves net the opener! What on earth was he thinking? You’ve got some explaining to do Granit…

Crows superstar Bryce Gibbs has capped off his first year back home by tying the knot with longtime love Lauren Tscharke in the Barossa Valley. Bryce and Lauren exchanged vows at Wolf Blass Winery on Saturday afternoon in front of family and friends, including many of Bryce’s past and present teammates at Adelaide and Carlton. Among the big-name guests were Crows Sam Jacobs, Eddie Betts, Hugh Greenwood and Richard Douglas, and Blues stars Patrick Cripps,Marc Murphy and Levi Casboult. Adelaide-born Bryce, who completed his first season with the Crows in 2018, wore a suit by Calibre while Lauren was dressed in a custom-made designer gown by Melbourne’s Stephanie Kinsman. Together for about 10 years, the happy couple have a three-year old son named Charlie, who was a big part of the celebrations. Originally from the Barossa Valley, Lauren described the nuptials as “the best day” in a post on Instagram. “The last few months feel like they’ve flown by, the year has gone so quickly,” she recently told Confidential. Yesterday, the wedding party and several guests enjoyed a “recovery day” at nearby Hentley Farm. After a decade in Melbourne at the Carlton Football club, Bryce requested a trade home to the Crows at the end of 2016 so both he and Lauren could be closer to their families. Bryce’s father Ross played 253 games for Glenelg between 1984 and 1994. An occupational therapist and part-time model with new Adelaide agency The Models, Lauren was also a regular Tour Down Under podium girl.

MANCHESTER is blue. City have regained bragging rights of United with a 3-1 victory at the Etihad on a huge night of Premier League action. David Silva opened the scoring after just 12 minutes and Pep Guardiola’s side never looked back. Elsewhere, Liverpool kept pace at the top with a 2-0 win over Fulham as Mohamed Salah and Xherdan Shaqiri found the net. While there were draws for Arsenal - who were held 1-1 by Wolves - and Chelsea, who went goalless against Everton. HERE’S A FULL WRAP OF THE OVERNIGHT ACTION... MANCHESTER CITY 3-1 MANCHESTER UNITED Manchester City surged 12 points clear of Manchester United with a 3-1 derby win on Sunday that highlighted just how far Jose Mourinho’s team is from dethroning its neighbor as Premier League champions. As United was run ragged, and unable to disrupt City’s passing, David Silva swept the league leaders in front in the 12th minute. United’s sloppiness - with Jesse Lingard conceding possession on the halfway line - set Sergio Aguero on the run for a move he completed with City’s second three minutes into the second half. Although Anthony Martial reduced the deficit from the penalty spot, City remained ruthless and Ilkay Gundogan smoothed Pep Guardiola’s passage to victory by netting from Bernardo Silva’s cross in the 86th. Runner-up last season, United managed just one shot on target at the Etihad Stadium and is now languishing in eighth place. In a league it was accustomed to dominating until 2013, the 20-time English champions are now further behind City than at any time in the Premier League after 12 games. LIVERPOOL 2-0 FULHAM Mohamed Salah capitalized on some quick thinking by Liverpool to maintain his impressive scoring record at Anfield in a 2-0 win over last-place Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday. Moments after Fulham had a goal disallowed for offside, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson took a quick free kick to find right back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who played in Salah to race in on goal and open the scoring in the 41st minute. There were just 14 seconds between the flag being raised for offside and Salah finding the net.

Premier League champions Manchester City stayed two points clear at the top on Sunday with a dominant 3-1 win in the derby against Manchester United. Liverpool, having beaten bottom club Fulham 2-0 at Anfield, will go into the international break in second place after receiving a favour from neighbours Everton, who held Chelsea to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile Arsenal had to come from behind to extend their unbeaten run to 16 games in all competitions with a 1-1 draw at home to promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers. Man City moved on to 32 points from 12 games, while Liverpool have 30 and Chelsea 28, with all three teams retaining their season's unbeaten record in the league. City were on top from the start against a United team missing the injured Paul Pogba. David Silva scored the first goal after 12 minutes and Sergio Aguero added a second soon after half-time. Jose Mourinho's side barely threatened until substitute Romelu Lukaku came on to win a penalty that Anthony Martial converted just before the hour mark. But despite City largely controlling the game, it took a late third goal by their substitute Ilkay Gundogan to ensure there could be no repeat of United's dramatic comeback to win 3-2 in the same fixture last season. United remain eighth, 12 points behind the leaders, and manager Mourinho refused to talk about his team still having any sort of title chances. "We are outside the top four, how can we speak about the title? Let's fight to close the gap to jump into the top four," said Mourinho. Pep Guardiola, City's manager, was quick to point out that Liverpool and Chelsea had also made strong starts to the campaign and said it was too early to be discussing where the title may be heading. "It is November so we haven't even finished the first round. A lot can happen in football," he said. There was controversy at Anfield after Liverpool took the lead against struggling Fulham just before half-time. The London side felt Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic should not have been given offside as he headed home and goalkeeper Alisson took the subsequent free kick when the ball was moving. Less than 15 seconds later from a lightning Liverpool break, it was in the net at the other end, put there by Mo Salah. Xherdan Shaqiri scored a fine second goal, after which the heart seemed to go out of a Fulham team who remain bottom of the table with only one win from their 12 games.

IT is not often teams benefit from a late forced change. But on Sunday evening, that’s exactly what happened to Melbourne Victory. The reigning A-League champions had originally planned to play Jai Ingham as part of a front three alongside James Troisi and Kosta Barbarouses. But when Ingham pulled up with a quad issue in the warm-up, Victory had to improvise. Kevin Muscat pulled Leigh Broxham on from the bench to play in midfield, with captain Carl Valeri in a holding role. It meant Keisuke Honda and James Troisi were deployed as dual No.10s., with Barbarouses up front. And from the opening moments, the move paid off, with the pair seizing control of the game and piling the pressure on the Mariners defence. The strategy bore fruit in the 30th minute, with Honda exploiting an Antony Golec error to score a sizzling opening goal. Then, Terry Antonis’ delightfully weighted ball allowed Troisi to double Victory’s lead in the 35th minute. Two minutes into injury time, Corey Brown rifled home his side’s third goal to make it 3-0. It was a genuinely dominant performance, with former Victory and Roar goalkeeper Michael Theo praising Troisi’s influence. “With two number 10s, he had that free role there and he’s set up Kosta on a number of occasions,” Theo told Fox Sports. “Just his vision, he just brings players into the game.” Mario Shabow snatched a reply in the 62nd minute, before Ola Toivonen — on debut — created the opportunity for Josh Hope to score his first A-League goal in the 94th minute. While Victory were less dynamic in the second half, their blitzing opening stanza was a warning to the rest of the league. Melbourne Victory have delivered a stunning statement of A-League intent, thrashing Central Coast 4-1 at AAMI Park. The champions were ruthless from the kickoff on Sunday night, with Keisuke Honda, James Troisi and Corey Brown scoring in a vintage first-half display. Mario Shabow’s first professional goal gave the Mariners something on an otherwise sorry night, before Josh Hope rounded out the scoring.

Perth strikers Andy Keogh and Chris Ikonomidis have scored in a precious 2-0 away win against Adelaide United to give Glory top spot on the A-League ladder. Both scored tap-ins on Sunday at Coopers Stadium, extending Perth’s unbeaten start to the season to three wins and a draw. Irishman Keogh helped to deliver the Reds’ first defeat of the season after finding his customary spot: right place, right time. In the 73rd minute, United goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a superb diving save to halt a fierce Alex Grant header, only for the rebound to fall to Keogh almost standing on the goal-line. Keogh duly tapped in for his fourth goal in four games of the campaign. And teammate Ikonomidis iced the win in the 90th minute after a neat combination, slotting into an unmarked goal after rounding Izzo. The Glory take top billing with 10 points, two ahead of the only other unbeaten outfit, Sydney FC (two wins, two draws). Perth largely made the running against Adelaide and could have won by more, with Joel Chianese and Keogh unable to convert early golden chances. Chianese, in the 12 minute, was played in by Keogh but, after turning on his left foot, shot into the crossbar from inside 10 metres. Keogh missed a swinging right-footer from five metres, some 10 minutes later, as the visitors found early attacking fluency. Twice in the opening half, the video assistant referee (VAR) examined incidents in the Reds’ attack. Initially, video checked that Ben Halloran wasn’t brought down in the box in collision with Glory gloveman Liam Reddy. And in the 39th minute, VAR - after a two-minute ruling - adjudged a shot which struck Perth defender Shane Lowry on an arm was outside the box. Both interventions deservedly rejected penalty claims and Adelaide’s loss was further soured by an injury to German midfielder Mirko Boland, who left the field in the second half clutching his left hamstring.

One blunder is all that separated the Newcastle Jets and Sydney FC on the scoresheet at the break. Alex Brosque gave the Sky Blues the lead after he got on the end of a good ball in from Rhyan Grant, but Jets goalkeeper Glen Moss could have done more to keep The home side have plenty of work to do against a refreshed Sydney side, who had expected the Jets to come out blazing after a slow start to their season. Heading into round four, Sydney were on top of the ladder, while Newcastle were last with just one point, prior to Saturday’s NSW derby at McDonald Jones Stadium. “They have had a slow start and I think we need to be ready for that,” Sydney coach Steve Corica said. “They will come out all guns blazing. We need to be ready for that especially the first 10 to 15 minutes. “We know that and we respect that, so we need to be prepared and ready for what they are going to throw at us.” Corica didn’t foresee too many, if any, changes to the side which scored a 3-0 last-start away win over Melbourne City.

BOURNEMOUTH star Nathan Ake is at the centre of a sensational transfer battle, while Arsenal are keen to launch an audacious swap deal. That and more in another edition of Rumour Mill! AKE TRANSFER BATTLE Bournemouth star Nathan Ake could be at the centre of a major transfer battle in January, with several clubs keen to pounce on the in-form star. The 23-year-old has been a standout in the Cherries’ strong start to the season, and now the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Spurs are all thought to be keen on moving for his signature. The Sun report his club could hold out for a huge transfer fee, although the Blues are thought to have a £40m (A$71m) buyback clause as part of the deal that saw Ake leave Stamford Bridge. A huge transfer scrap between England’s elite could be in the offing. GUNNERS EYE AUDACIOUS SWAP DEAL Arsenal are hoping to use Aaron Ramsey in an audacious swap deal that could bring Roma star Patrik Schick to the Emirates. Ramsey is set to leave the club for free at the end of the season as his contract expires, but according to Corriere dello Sport, the Gunners are looking to swap the midfielder for the Czech forward. The 22-year-old has struggled for minutes in the Italian capital, and could be a good replacement for injured forward Danny Welbeck. Schick has managed just five Serie A matches so far this season. BLUES KEEN ON SUAREZ Chelsea are also reportedly interested in a move for Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez. Marca report the 24-year-old is ready to leave the club with senior opportunities at a premium – he’s managed just one appearance in all competitions this season. And now Maurizio Sarri is eager to bring Suarez to London, having already attempted to sign him a number of times while in charge at Napoli. However, the Blues will face competition from several other European teams. The report claims Valencia and Napoli are both also in for the Spaniard. REDS TO DOUBLE ROBBO WAGES Liverpool are ready to lock star left back Andy Robertson down to a new contract that will double his wages, according to the Mirror. The 24-year-old will move up to £60,000-a-week (A$107k-a-week) as he is rewarded for establishing himself as a first team regular at Anfield. Robertson still has three years to run on his current deal, but will be handed a significant boost on his current wages as recognition for his work after joining from relegated Hull City.

LEICESTER City players and fans paid a fond tribute to Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha before the team were held to a 0-0 draw in the Premier League by Burnley in their first home game since the club owner’s death in a helicopter crash. Leicester supporters and squad members, including injured England defender Harry Maguire, led a march from the city centre to the stadium where hundreds of team shirts, flags and banners were laid around the pitch. Vichai’s son Aiyawatt and former Leicester managers Claudio Ranieri and Nigel Pearson were among the crowd, who observed a two-minute silence before kick off. After the match, Leicester midfielder Marc Albrighton said it had been one of the most difficult games of his career. Leicester manager Claude Puel was proud of his players and praised their professionalism in handling the occasion. “We were unlucky but I was proud of the players’ performance because they gave their best in this situation,” said Puel. SPURS DO ENOUGH — JUST TOTTENHAM beat Crystal Palace 1-0 for its latest narrow victory in the English Premier League and moved tied for points with second-place Chelsea and Liverpool overnight. A 66th-minute goal by 20-year-old centre back Juan Foyth was enough to earn Spurs a ninth win in 12 league games this season. Six of those wins have come by a one-goal margin. Tottenham defender Juan Foyth had an uncomfortable English Premier League debut last weekend. His second game in England’s top flight went a whole lot better. The 20-year-old Argentine centre back scored a second-halfgoal Tottenham is managing to stay firmly in contention for the title race despite few of its top players performing at their best — gun striker Harry Kane had a quiet game at a rain-soaked Selhurst Park — and a dreadful run of injuries. Nine of the 12 Tottenham players who featured at the World Cup in Russia have been injured at some stage this season. The latest to join the list were Colombia centre back Davinson Sanchez, who injured his hamstring in the Champions League midweek, and England right back Kieran Trippier, who hobbled off injured midway through the first half against Palace. A week ago, Foyth made his first appearance in the Premier League and gave away two penalties in Tottenham’s 3-2 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey denied a report Monday (AEDT) that said Carmelo Anthony’s time with the team will soon come to an end. Anthony, who was out for the second straight game Sunday night with an illness, is in his first season with the Rockets after one year in Oklahoma City. The New York Times had a sourced report Sunday saying Anthony has been notified that he will soon be waived. When asked about that report before Sunday night’s game, Morey said: “that’s inaccurate.” The Rockets, who reached the Western Conference finals last season, are off to a disappointing 4-7 start, with many outsiders blaming Anthony for the struggles. Morey went on to say that he wanted to speak to reporters in large part to defend Anthony. “It’s unfair that there’s all this speculation on just one person,” Morey said. “I understand it he’s obviously a Hall of Famer. But it’s unfair.” Anthony, who is in his 16th season, has averaged 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in 10 games with two starts this season. When asked if he’s evaluating Anthony’s role on the team, Morey said they’re evaluating everyone as they try to get the team on track. “I know that we’re talking about everything,” he said. “We’re a team trying to win the championship and we’re 4-7 and we’re not in a good place so we’re looking at everything. We’re looking at all aspects right now.” He added that he “would expect” Anthony to play when he’s healthy. Anthony joined the Rockets after a tumultuous season with the Thunder where he averaged a career-low 16.2 points in 78 starts. Coach Mike D’Antoni laughed off the supposition that the rumours about Anthony are a distraction to his team. “Our problem is we can’t shoot the basketball,” he said. “That’s a hindrance ... and we’ve got to fix that.” D’Antoni said Houston’s problems are definitely not Anthony’s fault and agreed with Morey that the outside criticism of him has been unfair. “Melo’s been great and he’s done everything we’ve asked,” D’Antoni said. Morey said that it’s “his job” to figure out how to get the team going, but that he’s seen signs recently that things will soon turn around. “I feel like we have been playing better ... but the reality is we’re nowhere near where we expect to be and we have high expectations and we’re going to stick with those,” Morey said.